Looking at his Chateauneufs, the straight 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape has surprising purity and freshness. Made from 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah, with the Grenache aged all in foudre and the Mourvedre and Syrah in barrel, it exhibits impressive aromatics of blackberry fruit, earth, mineral and underbrush-like qualities on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, with a great texture and sweet tannin, it is superb now, yet should continue to drink nicely through 2021. Drink now-2021. -Wine Advocate 92 Points

Xavier Vignon, along with Philippe Cambie, are probably the two most highly renowned oenologists in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as some of the surrounding Cotes du Rhone regions. Vignon’s office and laboratory are next to the Auto Route A7, in the same complex as Chateau Husson. He is the consultant for such well-known domaines as Raymond Usseglio, Jerome Quiot, Beaurenard, La Nerthe, Mont Redon, Marcoux, Grand Veneur and La Gardine. I tasted through the new and upcoming Xavier Vignon releases. The blend of Xavier Vignon’s Chateauneuf du Pape can vary considerably. Vignon told me that it is a selection from nearly 120 different parcels in the appellation. Fashioned from the best fruit from old vines planted in the finest parcels is the Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme. Xavier Vignon is not going to release the 2007 Anonyme (his greatest Chateauneuf du Pape to date) until 2013 so readers have a chance of getting some of this production. I tasted three vintages of this cuvee with Vignon.